What small town can boast a birth that is commemorated with yearly celebrations, much less one celebrated for centuries? Does Bethlehem stand alone? It is a birth, afterall, that put it on the map! But even if we consider other memorials and national holidays--even international--there are none that will have an impact beyond this planet and time as we know and measure it. The birth of Jesus, however, has impact for eternity. For those who have claimed Jesus as Savior, our eternity is determined by his incarnation and the life he now lives with the Father, ever interceding for us. (Hebrews 7:25)
And how should this acknowledgement of the eternal impact of Jesus effect my own life perspective? First of all, gratitude, then security and joy, then....
As I have aged, and now admit that I may be in the final decade of my life, I have a greater urgency to make these last years count. It is typical, I think, to look back on life to assess it's meaning and value. It is another thing to determine that your final years have impact--impact for eternity. How is this achieved? In many ways, perhaps, but certainly through the conversations that influence someone else to have faith in Jesus. Small investments, big returns!
I have spent time with a number of people over the years who credit their grandmothers with the inception of their faith. I've always dreamed of being that kind of grandmother. I pictured a rocking chair with little bodies clustered around and maybe a cat curled at my feet and knitting needles in my hands while I waxed eloquent, wise and captivating on profound spiritual truths. Seems I can't inhabit that persona; plus, Ron won't let me have a cat and I can't knit. But there is nothing I love more than having one (any of the 10) of my grandchildren all to myself. I love the way they think, and their dreams, and unique talents and aptitudes, and their favorite song lyrics,
and--well, just everything!
My grandaughter, Sara, a junior at the University of Washington, is going to do a study abroad program next semester in London. I will be taking her cousin, Emma, my 15yr. old grandaughter to London for her spring break. We hope to see Sara if her program does not occupy her too fully. In any event, Emma and I will be joyful, gawking tourists.
There was a time when this trip would have only held an anticipation of fun, maybe some cultural enrichment, and some memories stored away. But today, I long for this special time together to impact their faith and their futures--their eternities. I'm praying God has a plan for doing that. I won't be preaching to either of them, but I hope there is something about my faith that informs their own through our daily conversations. I don't think it takes a trip abroad to accomplish this, but it's an opportunity I wouldn't want to miss. I can't wait!
No comments:
Post a Comment